FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly has passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, in recognition of what it described as his outstanding performance and transformative achievements in three years of office.
The resolution was reached during Thursday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS, RQS, following a motion moved by the Member representing Gwer East State Constituency, Hon. Elias Audu Terumbur, Ph.D., and unanimously supported by members of the House.
Moving the motion, Hon. Audu recalled that Governor Alia assumed office on May 29, 2023, at a time when Benue State faced serious governance and developmental challenges, including a backlog of unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities, as well as deteriorating public infrastructure.
He stated that within three years, the Governor had restored confidence in governance through the prompt and regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, while implementing people-centred policies and projects that have positively impacted the lives of the people.
The lawmakers also commended the administration’s investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and public institutions, citing the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, and the renovation of the Benue State Civil Service Secretariat, the Benue State House of Assembly Complex, the State Judiciary Headquarters and the Ministry of Justice.
In the area of industrialization, the Assembly applauded Governor Alia’s efforts through the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), which has facilitated the establishment of the Food Basket Brewery, Fruitcon Juice Company, Bensono Concentrate Factory, Bread Factory and Pure Water Factory, among other strategic investments.
The House also acknowledged the ongoing revival of Taraku Mills, describing it as a strategic initiative capable of creating employment opportunities, expanding markets for local farmers and boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Following extensive deliberations, members unanimously commended Governor Alia for his visionary leadership, commitment to good governance and dedication to the development of Benue State. They also called on political leaders, traditional rulers and citizens to continue supporting the administration in promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.
In his ruling, Speaker Berger Alfred Emberga praised the Governor’s achievements across critical sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, commerce and industrial development.
He described the Governor’s performance as unprecedented and reflective of purposeful leadership committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Consequently, the House unanimously adopted the motion and passed a vote of confidence on Governor Alia, reaffirming its support for his administration.
During the plenary, the House also passed the Benue State Sports Marketing, Gaming and Lotteries Board Bill, 2026, following the presentation and consideration of the report of the Joint House Standing Committees on Youths and Sports and Finance, chaired by Hon. Ismaila Agada.
The Assembly equally adopted the report of the House Standing Committee on Basic and Secondary Education on its oversight visits to Area Education Offices, Local Government Education Offices, Primary and Universal Basic Education (UBE) schools across the 23 local government areas of the state. The report was presented by the committee chairman, Hon. Elias Audu Terumbur. The bill was passed into law.
In addition, the House considered the report of the Committee on Public Petitions, Bills Review and Appraisal on a petition filed by Mr. Audu Igbabee Gabriel against Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, over the alleged unlawful deduction of his salary and the non-completion of his Ph.D. sponsorship.
After deliberations, the Assembly directed the management of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, to pay Mr. Igbabee all his outstanding entitlements.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
